Prince Narrates:

Penelope gives me her engagement ring for safekeeping. She'll wear it when she gets back because we want our families to find out before the world does. 

At the airport, I can tell Penelope is nervous about the Spin cover. She's done covers before, Midwest- distributed fitness and auto magazines. Talk about coming a long way! It's a big step for both of us.

I remind my assistant to have Penelope's luggage set sent out for repairs-it's been through a lot of travel and needs it. Honestly, I'd have loved to by her a new set but the Smith family is very practical-Penelope included so I need to learn to be that way sometimes. Mr. Smith has been using the same luggage since his college days and Sophie bought him a new set a few years ago but he told her "Return it. Mine's still good" She did.

Margaret calls, to tell me all about her honeymoon to Italy. Her and Oscar just got back after a couple weeks there. They bought art for his gallery, rode gondolas, went sight seeing and did the whole tourist thing. Where should Penelope and I go?

Once Margaret is done talking, I tell her about Penelope running off to do the Spin cover. Margaret is beyond excited! "She gets to have her work in the magazines and not simply be in them for dating you!" she exclaims.

"What's so bad about being known for dating me?" I ask.

"Penelope has a talent. Why should she be known only as 'Prince's girlfriend'?"

"Hold up, Screwy Rabbit! This is a woman I intend to MARRY!"

"You told me that. Propose yet?"

"Nope" I lie.

"Perhaps someday people will call you 'Penelope's husband'!" Margaret laughs a bit.

Her statement makes me think: I've never really been the man behind the woman, so to speak. With previous girlfriends I've basically created albums for them and was wearing the pants in the relationship. Denise, for example, is probably still, to some "Prince's ex"

"Prince? Did I strike a nerve?" Margaret asks.

"What if she gets all these great opportunities and doesn't want to have children or even be in a relationship anymore?"

"If she wants you and a family bad enough, she'll work things out. Remember when we broke up? I had just gotten a small promotion at Interview and you were going to be with a manager in California. We were trying to decide what to do when I said 'I'll leave Interview and go with you! I can get a job at a Playboy Club in California!' I meant it too. You told me no, that I needed to be where the writing opportunities were. "

Now there's a day I remember clearly. We ended up agreeing to keep in touch and see where fate took us.

She continues,"I'm still grateful. If I'd followed you maybe I wouldn't be releasing my second book soon. You say you love Penelope, well for Heaven's sake, don't try to clip her wings so she's your little pet permanently beside you! It'll only create problems!"

"I'm not that type of guy!" I feel insulted.

"You're not cool with the idea of her being known for her photos instead of for you."

"It's just a new idea."

Because I'm feeling like an ass, I wonder who'd be a good fit for Penelope to work for. Finally, I think of someone to introduce Penelope to.
Penelope Narrates:

After spending an exhausting day in New York City photographing Joan Jett ,I go lay down in my hotel room. The front desk calls in the earliest of hours. I'm supposed to come to the lobby.

Prince is there smiling. "What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Hopped on a red eye flight." He replies, "Listen, first thing in the morning I've set up a meeting with Betsey Johnson for you and I brought your portfolio."

"That is sweet, but I don't want to always be relying on you to get jobs.Of course you can help,  and I appreciate it."

"Mind if I bunk in your hotel room?" he smirks, knowing the answer.

"Sure"

"Are you really gonna wear those boots?" Prince asks the in the morning.

He pulls out a second pair of his boots from his suitcase. "Try these. Don't know why you brought that nice dress and only your work boots to wear with it."

"Forgot other shoes." I admit.

Aunt Sophie taught Sabrina and me to always bring a spare versatile dress when we travel in case we get an unexpected invitation someplace. It's good advice if you bring the right shoes. Prince's boots fit but are a bit too snug in places because they were custom for him but I can handle it for a meeting. I look cute though- important for meeting a fashion designer.

Prince decides to come with me because he thinks I'll be nervous. Betsey is surprised to see him when we get to her showroom. My portfolio goes over well with her!

When I stand up, reach out to shake her hand and am about to thank her for her time, she tells me that she'd like me to shoot next season's collection! I go to sit back down to discuss any ideas she might have and I miss my chair entirely! So I'm on the floor, like a complete fool. Prince helps me up and Betsey asks if I'm okay, neither of them makes light of my blunder.

But I'm upset with myself. Prince is perfect. People will expect his wife to be flawless too. Or at least have the sense to look where she's sitting. Since we are in Betsey's showroom she asks, "Would you like a sneak peak at the collection that I'm about to release?"

"Yes, please." I smile, grateful for the diversion. Everything is sized for the models in an upcoming fashion show, so I can't try anything on. Even still, I hold up a dress to myself to get an idea of how the color and length might look.

"That would be perfect on you! You should wear it in my fashion show!" Betsey suggests.

My jaw drops. Me? Model in a show? Could be fun. Then I think, as an engaged woman, do I need my fiance's input on this type of thing? I glance at him.

"Sounds good to me." Prince says.

"Betsey, I'd love to! But...I'll need a larger dress." I'm assured I can get one. Once we're outside, I kiss Prince all over his face. "Thank you! Thank you! Just the meeting would've been awesome but she HIRED me!" I enthuse.

He laughs,"I knew it. Say, how'd you like to photograph an album cover that isn't for a drag queen?"

Oooh he's gonna want me for his next album! " Who wouldn't?"

"Annette's album is done. We just need the cover shots for the album and singles."

"Guess I can't say no." I laugh, secretly disappointed. Even if he chooses to never have me photograph him professionally, I'll still love him forever.

Tonight we're catching a plane home and heading to Sabrina's for a family gathering tomorrow. We're going to break the big news of our engagement to them them-we can't wait!